Though depression is not required for diagnosis most people have both manic and depressive episodes and may have mixed episodes with features of both. Length of episodes vary, but are separated by "normal" periods of emotion and behavior. See my answers to similar questions for additional details.
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2

Bipolar:
Bipolar I and bipolar II, In the first, manic phases are more severe, and in the second, depressive phases are more severe. There is also cyclothymia which is a low grade version of bipolar disorder in general, where mood swings are not as severe in either direction, manic or depressive.
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3

EVALUATE:
Bd is a biochemical/phisiologic illness, generally long- lasting, generally with recurrent serious depression and/or very energized, ill considered and sometimes psychotic behavior. The DX is made too casually these days, based on an episode of angry behavior and DX should be made ; confirmed with an expert. Treatment is generally manditory to manage.
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4

Multifactorial:
So far no one has established a genetic link with bi-polar disorder, and many have tried. It is certainly true that it runs in families, but that can be a result of the family environment. There is a reasonable theory that the manic episodes are a way of combating the depressive feelings and that both are the result of chronic internal stress leading to depletion of neurotransmitters.
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5

History:
No lab or radiologic test, nor physical exam, can test for bipolar. Perhaps one day as there are strong indications it is a brain condition with a genetic background. But for now, it's a patient's history of modd changes, cognition and behavior that makes the diagnosis. In truth, this method works quite well, having been refined since antiquity.
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6

Bipolar:
Moods swing to extremes, between episodes of depression lasting around few weeks & phases of mania lasting few weeks each. Milder forms are called bipolar type 2 or cyclothymia, more severe forms are accompanied with psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Your mental health counselor can assess & give more definite diagnosis.
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7

Yes:
While unusual, children can develop symptoms of bipolar disorder in childhood. While most individuals develop symptoms of bipolar disorder in adolescence or early adulthood, a small number do get it as young as 8 years old.
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8

Genetics:
Bipolar disorder has been found to have some hereditary basis. This doesn't mean that there is a 100% chance that the offsoring of someone with bipolar d/o will enx up with it as well, but rather there is more likelihood as compared to the general population. I believe bipolar d/ o is now the 2nd highezt of mental d/o, being surpassed by adhd.
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9

Meds and therapy:
Mood stabilizers such as depakote or lithium to decrease the extreme intensity of mood swings, combined with therapy from a psychotherapist who specializes in bipolar disorder would be the most optimal approach. Don't medicate yourself. Ask for appropriate referrals for help that works for YOU.
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10

Multifactorial:
As with many medical conditions the causes of bipolar disorder are not fully know. It is believed they are polygenetic, with multiple genes interacting resulting in some degree of vulnerability or resistance to the condition. This biology then interacts with environmental factors, both positive and negative which can have different effects based upon when in life or how many/often they occur.
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11

Clinical exam:
Although in the future we may have blood tests or functional MRI scans that can diagnose the disorder, for now the only way to diagnose bipolar is to see a counselor or doctor who can diagnose the condition based on history and exam.
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12

Could be:
Sometimes individuals present with different symptoms or patterns to the disorder that may result in professionals referring to the presentation as "atypical" for example while all individuals with Bipolar Disorder have a cycle, "rapid cycling" is an atypical presentation of the disorder.
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15

See DSM criteria:
You can look up the exact criteria used in research studies to learn more about it by searching online. The phrase "bipolar" is often overused, cheapening a formal diagnosis. It encompasses large swings in mood/energy/speed of thoughts/behavior which may last days/weeks at a time. See your local psychiatrist or primary care doctor for screening. Meds are most helpful but counseling can help.
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18

Mania/depression:
Bipolar disorder or manic depressive illness is a mental illness characterized by manic episodes of 3 days or more of decreased need for sleep, elevated self esteem, and increased productive activity and depressive episodes of 2 weeks or more of unexplained sadness, decreased self esteem, lack of interest in pleasurable activities, decreased ability to make decisions, and lack of motivation.
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19

See below:
To diagnose someone with bipolar disorder, the person should undergo a thorough evaluation, past history, behaviors, etc. The evaluation is usually done face to face. It's impossible to say whether you have bipolar or not with the info presented. Take care.
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20

Mania and depression:
Bipolar disorder includes both depression and mania (bipolar 1) or hypo mania (bipolar 2). Bipolar depression is characterized by loss of interest, motivation, and energy, hypersomnia and hopelessness. Mania is characterized by increased energy, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, and sometimes irritability. Hypo mania is is the same as mania only to a lesser degree.
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21

Many:
Several and might include depression, mood swings, and mania. Online questionnaires are available for the public. Check the mood disorder questionnaire at: www. Dbsalliance. Org/pdfs/mdq. Pdfsimilar bring it to your md for further instructions.
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24

Please get help.:
Bipolar Disorder is treatable. Recommend comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. If you do in fact have bipolar disorder a mix of psychotropic medications and talking therapy can be very helpful. Take care.
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26

Mood swings:
Take the online mdq (mood disorder questionnaire).Mood disorder questionnaire - depression and bipolar support. .. http://www. Dbsalliance. Org/pdfs/mdq. Pdf read how to score it on the second page. If it sounds like you, then please see a psychiatrist and take a copy of the questionnaire with you so you can review it. Take a relative along or a friend for collatral info for more exact diagnosis.
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27

You may know that:
Bipolar disorder manifests in extreme mood swings between depression and mania/hyperactivity. Some folks are more hyper and some more depressed. The cycle can be very quick or span over days. A licensed mental health professional can diagnose and treat you. It's best to go to someone who has a lot of experience w/this. Your family doc can refer you. Peace and good health.
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28

Manic Episodes:
By definition, a person needs to have what is known as a manic episode (or something called a mixed episode) in order to have bipolar disorder. It can be rather confusing that one does not also need to have episodes of depression, althought most people with bipolar disorder do have both-episodes of mania and depression. That is why the old name, manic-depression is not always so great.
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30

With trepidation?:
First, you need to make sure you want to let your boss in on that, and make sure you can't be fired. If you work for a company with greater than 50 employees, you are probably safe. Then, ask boss when would be a good time to have a talk and schedule it. Finally, explain the best you can, what you have wrong with you and your plan to control it. The plan part is what your boss wants to know.
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